Ambiguity can be defined as a lack of precise meaning or interpretation, so how can we describe human existence as “ambiguous”? Surely there must be some essence, or characteristic thing, that we can use to solidify the meaning of our existence. However, it becomes difficult to define exactly what every human existence has in common. Dreams of fame and fortune motivate and consume some people's lives, others dedicate their lives to helping those less fortunate, and yet there are those who sit on the couch all day watching TV while the years pass in monotony. In The Ethics of Ambiguity, Simone de Beauvoir develops an existentialist view that explains the details of an ambiguous existence and how those who exist should act in this world. De Beauvoir relies on the freedom of the individual to argue that existence is ambiguous and that each individual should act with the intention of securing this freedom for himself and others. I find Simone de Beauvoir's analysis of an ambiguous existence to be logical, as I tend to think and act in ways that may constitute my existentialist being. In The Ethics of Ambiguity, de Beauvoir contrasts the facticity of the world with the individual's freedom to choose how to give shape to an otherwise ambiguous existence. Facticity is an undeniable truth found in the world, whether detailing those who existed in a past event, one's birthday, or the force that is gravity. De Beauvoir would argue that, based on pure facticity, the existence of an individual becomes absurd: “Life imprisonment is the most horrible of punishments because it preserves existence in its pure facticity but prohibits it from any legitimation” (31). Confinement has a defined rigid structure with defined times and defines... middle of paper......logical argument for that of existence which parallels Wittgenstein's investigations into the meanings of words. In my life, I accept that my existence is largely ambiguous and that I reveal who I am every moment I make a choice, even if I direct that choice towards a goal. The indeterminate quality of ambiguity may make some uncomfortable applying the word to their existence, but I find comfort in knowing that ultimately my existence can be defined as I see fit. I am happy that, through my freedom, I am able to live and make sense of the world; I exist.Works citedDe Beauvoir, Simone. The ethics of ambiguity. Trans. Frechtmann Bernard. New York: Kensington Pub., 1976. Print.Wittgenstein, Ludwig; GEM Anscombe, PMS Hacker and Joachim Schulte (ed. and trans.). Philosophical investigations. 4th edition, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. Print.